Rockets’ Harden: Double-teams a sign of respect

Damian Lillard isn’t asking to leave the Portland Trail Blazers. He also says he’s not issuing threats, but Lillard made it clear he wants the Blazers to be all-in on a direction.

“It ain’t a threat. I ain’t gonna say I’m putting them on the clock, I’m just saying if those things can’t be done, (if) we can’t do something significant like that then we won’t have a chance to compete on that level,” Lillard said. “Not only will I have a decision to make, but I think the organization will too because at that point, it’s like, ‘Are you gonna go young or are we gonna get something done?'”

Lillard went on to say that Portland needs to be “fully committed” to picking a direction. He also said he recognizes the impact this summer will have on the Trail Blazers and his future with the team.

“I think this is our most important offseason since I’ve been here,” Lillard said.